Since China first began international cooperation on giant panda conservation research in 1994, all giant pandas living abroad as part of this program, along with their offspring, specimens, and derivatives as stipulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), are owned by China. Additionally, it is generally required that cubs born abroad be returned to China before they turn four years old.
Giant pandas are a rare and endangered species unique to China. From both a legal perspective and according to cooperation agreements, China retains ownership of all giant pandas, their cubs, and any related genetic material.
Renting a giant panda is extremely expensive. According to standard contract terms, the borrowing party must pay an annual rental fee of $1 million to China. If a cub is born during the rental period, an additional payment of $600,000 is required. In the event of an unnatural death of the rented panda, the borrowing party must compensate China with $500,000. Additionally, the cost of caring for a giant panda for one year exceeds $1 million.
The conditions for renting a giant panda are also strict. The host country must provide a humid and cool environment that meets the panda’s natural habitat requirements and ensure a sufficient supply of fresh bamboo. If necessary, bamboo may need to be imported from China by air.
Before officially renting a giant panda, the country must also propose a research plan that contributes to the well-being of wild panda populations. This research should support China’s panda conservation efforts and help advance the protection of the species.